Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 20, 2025, 07:24 IST
A simple blood test called liquid biopsy can detect cancer early, monitor its return, and guide personalized treatment—without surgery.
Cancer cells can release fragments of their DNA into the blood
Imagine being able to detect cancer—or its return—without painful surgery or invasive procedures. That’s exactly what liquid biopsy offers: a groundbreaking advancement in cancer care that turns a simple blood draw into a powerful diagnostic tool. Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Head Oncologist at CK Birla Hospital, West Punjabi Bagh shares all you need to know:
What Is a Liquid Biopsy?
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Traditionally, diagnosing cancer meant removing a small piece of tissue from a suspicious lump or organ through surgery or a needle procedure. This is called a tissue biopsy. It often involves discomfort, risks, and sometimes even anesthesia.
Liquid biopsy, on the other hand, is far simpler. It involves just a blood sample—yet it can offer deep insights into whether cancer is present, recurring, or likely to develop. It works by detecting tiny fragments of tumor DNA (ctDNA) or cancer cells (CTCs) that may be circulating in your bloodstream.
How Does It Work?
Cancer cells can release fragments of their DNA into the blood. A liquid biopsy can:
Pick up these fragments, even in very small amounts
Analyze changes in normal cells’ DNA, such as mutations in BRCA1/2 or TP53, which indicate a higher risk for certain cancers
Track immune system responses, detecting early changes in white blood cells (WBCs) that signal something’s wrong
In essence, liquid biopsy can provide an early warning system and help doctors monitor cancer over time—without needing to go inside the body.
Why Is It Useful?
Dr. Malhotra outlines several powerful uses for liquid biopsy in current medical practice:
1. Monitoring and Surveillance
After a patient has been treated for cancer, liquid biopsy can help detect if the disease is coming back—sometimes even before a scan or physical exam reveals it. This allows doctors to take action early.
2. Personalized Treatment (Precision Oncology)
The test can also analyze DNA and RNA to uncover what genetic abnormalities are causing the cancer. This allows oncologists to design a targeted treatment plan, which might include medications, dietary supplements, or alternative therapies aimed at correcting the root cause.
3. Screening and Early Detection in Special Situations
While liquid biopsy is not yet recommended for mass cancer screening, it is proving to be incredibly helpful in specific cases:
Uterine mass: If a woman has a suspicious growth in the uterus, a liquid biopsy might help determine whether it’s just a fibroid or something more serious—without invasive testing.
Mouth lesions in tobacco users: If a smoker has a suspicious white or red patch in the mouth, a blood test can detect cancerous DNA and guide treatment decisions.
Hard-to-reach tumors: In cases where tumors are in the bone, liver, or lungs and traditional biopsy is dangerous, liquid biopsy offers a safe alternative.
Patients in denial or afraid of biopsy: Some patients refuse biopsies because of fears that the procedure could spread cancer. In such cases, a blood test can help confirm or rule out cancer and avoid dangerous delays in treatment.
Important note: Liquid biopsy is not reliable for brain tumors, as the blood-brain barrier prevents cancer cells in the brain from entering the bloodstream.
The Future of Cancer Detection
While research is ongoing, liquid biopsy represents a hopeful new direction in cancer care. It’s less invasive, more convenient, and in many cases, can offer life-saving insights at just the right time.
As Dr. Malhotra puts it, “Cancer begins with the body’s own cells going wrong. Liquid biopsy helps us spot that mistake early—without waiting for it to grow large enough to see or feel.”
- First Published:
May 20, 2025, 07:24 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
